If you’ve been through a body-altering procedure, whether it was for medical reasons or personal preference, getting back to your everyday life should be a top priority. And a big part of getting back to normal is getting back to your regular exercise routine. But how do you make the balance between taking the time to heal and getting back to activities? Well it depends on the procedure, but it also depends on the individual and their ability to heal. Here are some general tips that might help you plan out your recovery:
The first few days
During the first 48 hours after surgery, you shouldn’t exercise at all. Sometimes, you’ll even be advised to avoid any sort of activity altogether. Your body has been through a tough surgery and you do not want to stress it out further. This is the period when you need to calm down and relax. You might also be very sore during this period, so you probably won’t even feel like exercising. If you had a procedure done on the area with a lot of with blood vessels, like your face for example, you’ll be at risk of bursting one of those vessels if you get your blood pressure and heart rate too high. So, try to rest and relax during the first few days.
First week
After some smaller procedures, you might be able to get back to certain activities after a few days. But, these activities still should not incorporate exercise. Simple daily tasks, house chores and lighter activities are all you should be doing. Trying to get back into your full exercise routine too fast will only prolong the time of your recovery and might cause dangerous complications. That being said, being completely idle isn’t the answer either, because moving around prevents blood clots from forming after surgery. So, go about your day normally, but avoid exercising and lifting things.
Second and third week
After two weeks have passed, you can slowly start with your routine again, but keep in mind that these exercises should be nothing like what you did before the procedure. Do only light exercises and try to avoid using equipment. It is very important to listen to your body, so doing exercises that are familiar and simple will allow you to feel whether or not you are doing a good job. If you have any sharp pain or you start feeling uncomfortable, contact your doctor immediately and ask for advice. During this period, you are in a vulnerable state, and you are more prone to injuries.
Consult your doctor
In the end, every procedure is different and the only person who can tell you what you should be doing is your doctor. For example, not all liposuctions are the same, and nobody can give you a universal advice about what you should or shouldn’t be doing. People who get liposuction in Perth can tell you that meeting your doctor regularly and doing as they say will go a long way in speeding up your recovery. Your doctor will want to see you quite often during the first few days after your surgery and you should do your best not to miss an appointment, because monitoring progress is key to a safe healing.
So, no matter how much you are itching to get back in the gym and back to your standard routine, you should always be careful and give your body enough time to heal. You will have all the time in the world to exercise and get back into top shape after you are done healing.
Diana smith is a guest blogger.
